Some
of the most exciting jazz is currently emerging
from Italy – and here’s an example. Raffaello
Pareti is a bassist who composed all but the
first and last tracks on this intriguing CD.
He leads a group of highly proficient musicians
who are not above talking chances and even
playing the fool.

After
the introductory anonymous title-track, La
Danza di Zoe starts with the piano of
Stefano Bollani, whose unusual voicings are
reminiscent of Lennie Tristano. This is a
vibrant, jolly piece but Missing is
slow and thoughtful, with soprano saxist Stefano
Cantini stating the theme mournfully, then
soaring up into the air for his solo. Incidentally,
Stefano Cantini is translated as "Stefano
Wine Cellars" on an internet site! Guitarist
Bebo Ferra is equally pensive in his solo.

Drost
Nia returns us to jauntiness, with accordion
and soprano sax stating the theme together
and then swapping mischievous ideas. While
the accordion doodles, it sounds as if a fight
has broken out in the studio with angry chattering
and guttural mutterings which continue into
the theme’s recapitulation. This track shows
the group at its maddest but also its most
technically brilliant.

Infanzia
is a complete contrast – a floating melody
featuring the guitar, which introduces the
soprano sax and accordion harmonising tenderly
together. Raffaello Pareti, who generally
stays in the background, gets a bass solo
here. Vala Ralboni! sounds as if it
was co-written by Poulenc and Kurt Weill after
a heavy drinking session – jovial but slightly
dark, with amazing pyrotechnics from the pianist.
The melody of Ulisse is stated by the
soprano sax over a fluttering background which
perhaps suggests the sea that Ulysses travelled
across. Whatever this track represents, it
is very beautiful.

Come
Nei Film is a whirlwind affair, with soprano
and accordion again taking flight in a catchy
tune. The accordionist hums along to his instrument,
rather like Slam Stewart did with the double
bass. The final track introduces the prepared
piano, making some outlandish sounds which
anticipate the exotic atmosphere of the piece.
Again, the daring of the musicians is matched
by their technical prowess, making for a thrilling
end to a thrilling album